This week's edition of The Bugle contains plenty of local news and views from our local community.There is a report on Kiama's Police Station being reopened and what impact that will have on the local community as well as coverage of the triple fatality at Shellharbour Airport on the weekend. CLICK HERE TO READ THE DIGITAL EDITIONAndrew Connors, 55, who was the pilot, and his wife Julieanne, 54, along with fellow passenger Colin McLachlan, 73, perished in the crash.Investigations are continuing into how the accident occurred.Pop star Guy Sebastian was one of the many mourners who took to social media to pay tribute to the victims - he had struck up a friendship with the pilot over a building project many years ago.You can also read plenty of great community stories, including Katelin McInerney being sworn in at NSW Parliament as the new Kiama state MP, the 100-year anniversary of a land speed record in Gerroa and a mansion in Foxground which is on the market for a cool $9 million.In sport, you can read about Kiama's record-breaking win to start the South Coast cricket season, the Illawarra Hawks getting their NBL season back on track and locals participating in the World Triathlon Championships.Plus there are a bunch of great sporting photos from our intrepid photographer Brian Scott getting out and about on the weekend - you may see someone you know!And don't miss John Gabriele's gardening column, including his latest YouTube video.

Earlier this year, Shane Wilson from Kiama Cavaliers Cricket Club was awarded the Cricket NSW Woolworths Cricket Blast Coordinator of the Year, following a 60% increase in program numbers during the 2024 season.Now, as Wilson prepares for another nine-week Woolworths Cricket Blast program - designed to teach kids the basics of the game - he hopes to achieve similar success.“We went from 26 to 42 in one season,” said Wilson. “But we’ve had a bit of a hiccup this time - Cricket Australia’s geo-locator wasn’t showing our program properly until last week, so people couldn’t find us.“Because of that, we’re currently sitting at around 22 to 25 registrations. Now that the issue’s been fixed and school’s back in full swing, we’re hoping to boost those numbers this week.”Wilson said he was humbled to receive the statewide award, but emphasised it was far from a solo effort.“I think it’s important to acknowledge it was a team effort. I had Nathan and Mel Battishall come on board last year, and they made a huge difference to the program. We worked together on a lot of it.”One of the keys to the program’s popularity was its focus on fun and creativity, rather than just cricket skills.“We really tried to make it more engaging and not solely cricket-focused,” said Wilson. “Mel created a planner where each week had a theme. Some of the favourites included Pizza Week, Silly Socks Week, BBQ Week, Water Cricket, and more.”Sessions run for an hour and a half, starting with around 50 minutes of skill-based stations, where kids are grouped by age or ability. After a short break - usually with Zooper Doopers and sometimes fruit (thanks to Woolies) - the kids head back out for informal games.“They go out and play their own games of cricket, often with their parents and siblings,” said Wilson. “It’s not just standing around waiting to bat or bowl - we set up three or four mini-games to keep everyone moving and having fun.”Wilson’s passion for the program comes from personal experience, having seen the impact it had on his own son.“Someone did this for my boy years ago - back when it was called Milo Cricket - and it made a huge difference,” he said.“Last year, my eldest - who’s now 13 - played senior cricket with me. And this year, we’ve brought back a fourth-grade team made up mostly of dads and kids. Just last weekend, we had six kids playing, some as young as 11, alongside their parents.”“It’s about building connection through sport. And really, where else would you rather be than Black Beach on a Friday afternoon? Parents bring a picnic rug, have a chat, and grab some pizza. The atmosphere is just fantastic.”This year’s program starts Friday, October 17, and runs every Friday for nine weeks until December 12. Sessions are from 4:30 to 6:30pm, and the program is open to kids aged 5 to 10.“The first week is what we call a trial week,” said Wilson. “We encourage kids who’ve registered to bring a friend. We’re also promoting it through local schools to help build momentum.”There’s still time to register. You can sign up via the Kiama Cavaliers’ official Cricket Australia page.

Illawarra Hawks’ NBL title defence is back on track after their ending their three-game losing skid to start the season.The Hawks thumped Brisbane Bullets 116-89 at WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday and now turn their attention to a tough road trip to Melbourne this Saturday when they will take on the Phoenix, who have won two of their opening three matches.After making the difficult decision to sack import guard JaQuori McLaughlin last week less than a month into his contract, Illawarra played with much more cohesion against the Bullets.They shot out of the blocks to open up a 25-3 lead by the mid-point of the first quarter and never looked like losing from that point onwards.Hawks guard Tyler Harvey was the star of the show with a career-high 10 assists to complement his 22 points and five steals.Star import JaVale McGee was kept quiet with only 13 points with veteran forwards Todd Blanchfield and Mason Peatling matching that total.McGee also pulled down 12 rebounds while dominating the paint for the home side.Illawarra, who landed 11 of their 25 three-point attempts, led 34-18 after their blazing first quarter.They maintained their momentum in the second term to lead 68-47 at the main break and after going into the final break with an 18-point advantage, they were able to cruise to the finish.Harvey, Blanchfield and Peatling buried consecutive triples at the start of the fourth quarter to allow coach Justin Tatum to give his bench plenty of game time in the closing stages.Development guard Johnny Narkle opened his NBL account with a three-pointer while Biwali Bayles scored 12 points and four assists in his 20-minute stint.After taking on the Phoenix, the Hawks will take flight again next week for a Saturday night showdown against the Wildcats in Perth before returning to Wollongong on Halloween for a clash with New Zealand Breakers.

UNDER 10 BOYSMINI ROOFERS VS RED KNIGHTS

UNDER 10 GIRLSMIGHTY MINIONS VS KILLER CATS

UNDER 8 MIXED TAG DRAGONS VS MUD CRABS

Bomaderry played the role of party poopers when they denied Oak Flats victory in their return to the South Coast first-grade competition in a two-run thriller at Geoff Shaw Oval.It was a round where games finished in nail-biters or massive victories with Shellharbour just scraping home by two wickets against North Nowra in another match that went right down to the wire. Premiers Lake Illawarra trounced Albion Park, Kiama did likewise to Ex-Servos while Bay and Basin Dolphins cruised to a five-wicket win over Kookas.The Rats looked like they would be celebrating their return to the top grade in style on their home turf after they bowled Bomaderry out for 150. Bomaderry captain Kealen Blattner got his team’s innings off to a blistering start from the top of the order with 44 from just 25 deliveries but opposing skipper Jack Bennett (4-22) and all-rounder Scott McAndrew (3-27) turned the tide.Oak Flats were on target at 4-119 but after McAndrew was stumped for 49, they collapsed to lose 6-29 to fall just three runs short.North Nowra skipper Nathan Thomas (73) and opener Nick McDonald (61) formed the backbone of their total of 241 at Bernie Regan Sports Ground Shellharbour were sailing along with Oran Pattison making 70 but after a middle-order collapse, they were looking shaky but skipper Alex Brown’s unbeaten 108 got them home with just one more batter in the shed.Lake belted 313 against Albion Park with captain Kerrod White top-scoring on 87 and tailenders Jaiden Robinson (49) and Jarryd White (50) going on with the job despite 5-59 from Matthew Burns.The Park lost their first four wickets cheaply and were never in the hunt despite fighting knocks by Aiden Campion (30) and Will Schofield (28).At Oakleigh Park, the Kookas batted out the 50 overs to put 8-188 on the board thanks to Michael Perry’s 59 and veteran opener Craig Bramble’s paitent 41.Dolphins seamer Brock Balgowan led the way with 4-24 in attack and in reply, the visitors rarely looked troubled as they hauled in the runs with 14 overs to spare after Riley Haig’s unbeaten 51 followed opener Daniel Hylton-Cummins’ 44.Kiama kicked off their season with a bang by thrashing Ex Servos 301-81 with Adam Ison (86) and David Coleman (60) the stars with the bat and Ison’s brother, Brad, among the wickets with 5-35.

UNDER 16 MIXED THE BOYS VS SLENDERVOLE

UNDER 16 GIRLSMINNO MAGIC VS THE PHANTOM TAGS

UNDER 16 GIRLSTHE CHASERS VS THE TAGGERS

Twenty-five Kiama triathletes are set to compete at the World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong which gets under way on Thursday.In one of the biggest events on the triathlon calendar, the championships has attracted around 7000 competitors - and 25 of them will be representing Kiama.“It’s a major deal, especially for the age group athletes,” said Kiama Triathlon Club vice president Geoff Besnard. “There can be hundreds of people competing for those few spots on the national team. It requires a serious commitment in terms of time, training, and effort - so making it here means you're really good.”Besnard explained that athletes qualify through a points-based system, with events held across the country. The top 25 triathletes in each five-year age group bracket earn a place on their national team.“For example, a win might earn you 25 points, second place a bit less, and so on,” he said. “Athletes then represent their national team at the Worlds.”The competition kicks off on Thursday with age group standard distance races. Friday features more age group events, including the sprint distance. Saturday is dedicated to the Para triathlon and the sprint relays, while Sunday is the big day for the professionals, with the standard distance program.“We’ve got 25 Kiama athletes competing - mainly on Thursday and Friday in the standard or sprint distances. A few are also doing aqua bike, which follows the standard distance format,” said Besnard.He said training conditions in the lead-up have been ideal. “The weather’s been kind, and the ocean is unusually warm - around 20°C - so swimming has been comfortable,” he said. “Kiama is a great place to train. Many of our athletes have been working with club coach Jody Lindsay, who runs several training squads.”Besnard described Wollongong as one of his favourite triathlon courses in the world. Swimmers taking on the Minnamurra River. Photo: Kiama Triathlon Club“It’s right in the middle of the city, which makes it really special. The swim starts in the harbour, goes out the entrance, then loops back in,” he said. “The bike course includes a tough hill coming out of the harbour, then heads north past the Innovation Campus. It’s flat and fast in sections, but with some challenging hills. The run course follows the water, loops around the lighthouse, and finishes at Lang Park - just behind South Beach.”He added that most of the Kiama athletes are familiar with the course, which could give them a slight edge. “Wollongong hosts a regular event each year, so most of our athletes have raced it multiple times. "Many have been training on the course - riding the bike route and swimming in the harbour. It’s only half an hour away, so it's definitely a local advantage,” he said.Representing Kiama will be: Ben Purcell, Bianca De Swardt, Cameron Griffin, Cameron Dribbus, Carmel Sloane, Carolyn Dews, Cheryl Freeman, Dane Sablowski, Danie Marie, Harry Fraser, Joseph Cutler, Joshua Frangos, Karina Frangos, Keelan Green, Gary Gordon, Kellyanne Wynen, Mark Ettridge, Mark Wynen, Mary Street, Matthew Charnock, Phil Hay, Pierre Paturel, Scott Krauss, Tanya Fraser, and Tereza Olbrecht.

Six Cavaliers made their debut for Kiama's first-grade side on Saturday, helping secure a dominant season-opening win over the Shoalhaven Ex-Servos in South Coast cricket action.Kiama posted an imposing total of 301 runs, then bowled Shoalhaven out for just 81 in under 18 overs - sealing a huge 220-run victory.Debutant brothers Adam and Brad Ison were the standouts with bat and ball, both delivering record-breaking performances.A new look Kiama Cavaliers first grade side: Six debutants and a new playing kit: Photo: Bernie Brown“Adam Ison finished with a classy 86, crafting a composed innings at the top of the order alongside new opener Joe Burgess (35),” said club president Bernie Brown. “Adam had the stats gurus buzzing - it's the highest-ever score on first grade debut for the club.”Not to be outdone, brother Brad starred with the ball, taking 5-35 in seven overs.“Brad Ison was relentless with the new ball, capping off an excellent debut,” Brown added. “Glenn Cleary and Mick Norris chipped in with a couple each to finish it off. Brad’s five-wicket haul is now the sixth-best bowling performance on first-grade debut for the club.”The team also broke a long-standing club record, recording the highest ever one-day winning margin - 220 runs - smashing the previous record of 154, set against Gerringong on January 11, 1964.In second grade, the Cavaliers also tasted victory, winning the local derby against Jamberoo at Kevin Walsh Oval.Saad Yasin bats for Kiama Cavaliers in the second grade win over Jamberoo. Photo: Brian Scott“The Cavs’ second grade posted a competitive 224, with returning club legends Dave Timbs (32) and Mick Hook (20) blazing away during the power play,” said Brown. “They were well supported by new recruit Saad Yasin, who added a steady 33.”Kiama then restricted Jamberoo to 137, with Brown crediting their success to the team’s strong pre-season.“Our dynamic pre-season training immediately paid off, with sharp ground fielding and 100% catching - including two off free hits,” Brown said. “The bowlers were superb, led by Joey Timbs (4/24) and the ever-accurate Niall Owers (2/13), who together hit the stumps six times - solving that age-old bowling riddle: ‘they miss, you hit.’”Unfortunately, third and fourth grade were unable to replicate the success, with both teams falling to Oak Flats.Still, Brown was pleased with the weekend’s overall performance:“All in all, it was a strong weekend for the Cavs’ senior grades, with standout individual efforts and excellent team contributions. Our well-attended pre-season training and the enthusiasm brought by coach Jack McDonald had the Cavs in elite condition heading into Round 1. “With match fitness improving every week, we’re excited to see what Round 2 brings.”The Cavaliers’ first grade side will take on the Oak Flats Rats this Saturday.

Former goalkeeper Ron Tilsed’s best man at his wedding was the late Australian soccer legend Johnny Warren - and now that he’s moved to Gerringong, he’s found himself close to an old friend once again.Housed in the back of the Jamberoo Pub is the Johnny Warren Museum, curated by Johnny’s nephew, Jamie Warren, who now owns the pub.Tilsed spoke glowingly about the museum.“It’s fantastic. There’s not enough done to remember our football players in this country - there should be more. But Ross [Johnny’s brother] and Jamie have done such a good job keeping his memory alive, with this and the golf days.”The story of Tilsed and Warren’s friendship begins, naturally, with the game they both loved: football.Tilsed’s career began in England with his local club, Bournemouth. After an exceptional season, he was selected for the England youth team - ahead of all the Division 1 goalkeepers - and travelled to Czechoslovakia for the Little World Cup.“We had the first two million-pound players with us - Trevor Francis, rest his soul, and Steve Daley. We won the tournament. I saved three penalties in the semi-final against Russia, and we beat Portugal 3-0 in the final.”He was awarded player of the tournament and on the flight home, a gentleman approached him:“He said, ‘Congratulations, Ron - would you like to join us at Arsenal?’”That gentleman turned out to be Arsenal’s chief scout, Gordon Clark. Tilsed joined the club as the back-up goalkeeper behind Bob Wilson during their famous 1971 double-winning season.“But I couldn’t break into the first team. We won so many games 1-0, and I was stuck as reserve. Arsenal were known then as ‘boring old Arsenal’. Score one, shut up shop.”Seeking first-team football, Tilsed moved to Portsmouth, where he made an immediate impact. His first game was against Sunderland - who would go on to win the FA Cup that year.“We lost 2-1, but I was named Man of the Match.”Tragically, after just 14 games for Portsmouth, Tilsed suffered a serious injury.“I broke my arm and had a plate put in - it’s still on display at the Portsmouth Museum. I told the coach it was busted - and sure enough, it was. They brought in another keeper. I was young and a bit foolish.”Johnny Warren and Ron Tilsed among some of their squad at Canberra City.After brief stints at Hereford United and in South Africa (then banned by FIFA due to apartheid), Tilsed heard about a new opportunity in Australia.“I heard about Johnny Warren - who’d played for Australia at the 1974 World Cup - starting a new franchise in Canberra. I thought, ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained.’ I came over and stayed a couple of years.”He still remembers the moment Johnny picked him up from the airport:“I asked, ‘Where’s the team, John?’ And he said, ‘Tilly - that’s my nickname - we don’t need anyone else. We’ve got you.’ I laughed and said, ‘Come on, John!’ He replied, ‘Ex-England, Arsenal, Pompey - we’ve got a goalkeeper!’”Tilsed became Canberra City’s first signing and was goalkeeper in their inaugural National Soccer League match. He played 41 games for the club between 1977 and 1978.“We started playing at Bruce Stadium - the Prime Minister at the time, Malcolm Fraser, gave it to us. We played the first ever match there, even before the Canberra rugby league team.”Though the club struggled initially - finishing in the bottom few - they held their own.“We had good footballers and some great results - even beat Marconi and drew with Sydney Hakoah, who went on to win the league.”A newspaper clipping of when Tilsed was at Canberra CityTilsed and Warren lived together in Canberra during those early years of the club - and a deep friendship formed.“Johnny was my best mate - and best man at my wedding. Tragically, we lost him. But we’ve honoured him for 20 years now with the Johnny Warren Golf Day, held around his birthday, May 17. The 1974 Socceroos still attend: Ray Richards, Noddy, and others. He’s still very loved.”Warren, Tilsed said, evolved over time: “As a player, Johnny was very good. As a coach, he got better. But he truly excelled as a journalist and broadcaster, especially working with Les Murray. They covered many World Cups together.”Johnny and Ron together at Johnny's 50th birthday - this photo is a part of the Johnny Warren MuseumTilsed’s professional career continued until 1984, when he played 13 games for Wollongong City. He later coached in Cronulla, before moving to Gerringong three years ago.Despite the ups and downs, he reflects on his career without bitterness.“What would I have done differently? Probably kept my mouth shut more. I peaked too early. At 18, I was playing first-team football in Division 1, after coming from Division 3 Bournemouth. John Bond, my manager, once told me, ‘Ron, you’re the best in the world at 18. Let’s see how far you go.’ He wasn’t far off.”“But I’ve got no regrets. I have two beautiful daughters, dual citizenship, and a lifetime of stories and memories.”Now, living in Gerringong and spending time at the Jamberoo Pub - surrounded by photos, memorabilia, and the spirit of his best mate - Ron Tilsed gets to relive those stories once again.“It’s special,” he says, “to be close to Johnny again.”

SOUTH COAST SENIOR CRICKET - 2ND GRADEKIAMA 10 / 224 d JAMBEROO 9 / 137

SOUTH COAST SENIOR CRICKET - 2ND GRADEKIAMA 10 / 224 d JAMBEROO 9 / 137

Kiama Council is set to support several significant sporting facility improvements, with three major projects now progressing to the grant application stage under the NSW Government’s latest funding programs.The proposals include $250,000 for upgrades to the Kiama Netball Courts, $275,000 for new sports lighting at Bonaira Oval and $387,000 for lighting improvements at Gerry Emery Reserve in Gerringong.Under the recommendation before councillors at next Tuesday's monthly meeting, Chief Executive Officer Jane Stroud will be authorised to finalise landowner consents for the projects and enter into formal agreements with each of the sporting groups. These agreements will ensure Council project manages the works on behalf of the community clubs to guarantee regulatory compliance and quality control.At the Kiama Sports Complex, the netball courts will be resurfaced and fitted with height-adjustable posts and rings, improving safety and accessibility for players.At Bonaira Oval, the proposal involves replacing existing metal halide lights with energy-efficient LED fittings. While the Kiama AFL Club sought a 150 Lux lighting level, Council officers have recommended a limit of 100 Lux, consistent with Australian standards for amateur-level competition and to minimise light spill impacts on nearby homes.Similarly, the Gerringong District All Sports Inc proposal for Gerry Emery Reserve seeks to replace six existing poles with 11 new LED floodlights. Council supports a 100 Lux upgrade at this site as well, again balancing improved usability with residential amenity.Council’s review of the proposals found that preliminary cost estimates were based on single-source quotations and excluded key components such as geotechnical studies and service connections. To ensure value for money and compliance with procurement laws, all projects exceeding $250,000 will require public tender processes in line with Local Government regulations.It is proposed that any funding shortfalls may be covered by the Developer Contributions Reserve.

KIAMA CAVS U13 GOLD VS GERRINGONG U13 GOLDGERRINGONG 3 / 73 d KIAMA CAVS 8 / 73

This week's edition of The Bugle contains plenty of local news and views from the community.There is a feature on the Glenbrook Drive land sale saga finally coming to an end, stories on some great fundraising initiatives for local causes and the latest on the controversy surrounding Andrew Constance's appointment as Shoalhaven Council CEO.CLICK HERE TO READ THE DIGITAL EDITIONConstance returned serve at critics of his appointment as Shoalhaven City Council CEO by saying if he could be Treasurer of the state, then he was more than qualified for this role.He started his tenure on Wednesday and fronted the media alongside Mayor Patricia White to address concerns about him getting the job despite no local government experience on his resume.You can also read plenty of other great community stories including a warning about the upcoming bushfire season, a couple of authors who will be visiting soon and the Terralong Street rail bridge upgrade.In sport, you can read about Kiama's preparations for the South Coast cricket season which gets underway this weekend, a soccer legend's tribute to Johnny Warren and the four generations of a little athletics family.More than 30 years ago, Craig Scott married into what could only be described as a Kiama Little Athletics dynasty - and today, he finds himself part of four generations of the same family still actively involved in the club.

Kiama Cavaliers will launch one of their biggest seasons yet this weekend, with the club celebrating its 170th year and fielding teams across every age group - including a full-strength first grade, a revitalised women’s squad, and a new fourth-grade side made up largely of “Cavs dads”.The season officially kicks off this Saturday, with all four senior men’s grades and junior teams taking the field. The senior women’s team - the Cavettes - will begin their campaign next Friday (October 17).Club president Bernie Brown said the lead-up to the season had been one of the strongest in recent memory.“We’ve had excellent registrations this season - probably the biggest pre-season we’ve seen in a long time,” he said.“We’ve locked in four men’s teams that are looking strong and competitive, and our senior women’s side has had really strong numbers too. Across the board - juniors, seniors, men and women - the numbers have been fantastic.”At the top level, the first-grade team is a mix of some new recruits, returning players and several rising stars from the junior ranks. “We'll be presenting six new first-grade caps for our first round, which is fantastic. So we’re really looking forward to some strong results on the field under captain Jaya Hartgerink, who last year broke the record as the most capped Cavalier, sitting on 364 matches,” said Brown.On the women’s side, the Cavettes are also looking strong with a host of new players joining the squad, including standout signing Ebony Winston from Gerringong. “Ebony's been a member the district and regional academies, and also played for the Southern Swans, who won the Brewer Shield in the Sydney Under-18s Premier League competition last year,” said Brown.“She’s a very experienced young cricketer and we’re thrilled to have her on board for the season.”The Kiama Cavaliers first grade captain in action last year. Photo: Brian Scott On the junior side, the club has seen a flow-on effect from last season’s popular Cricket Blast program, coordinated by Shane Wilson, who was named Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW Blast Coordinator of the Year. The club will field three under-11s teams, along with two under-13s sides, and full teams in the under-15s and under-17s divisions.“There’s been a really healthy junior-to-senior pathway this year,” said Brown. “We’ve even had such strong numbers in the younger age groups that we almost had a third under-13s team.”This season also sees the return of a fourth-grade side for the senior men - a team being affectionately referred to as the “Cavs dads”, where fathers and sons will be lining up together on the field.“It’s an opportunity for our young players in the 13-15-year-old range to experience senior cricket alongside their dads and other experienced players. It’s a great way to welcome juniors into the senior structure and keep that connection strong.”Another major development this year is the appointment of Jack McDonald as club coach - the first time in several years the Cavaliers have had someone in this role. “Participation at pre-season training has been outstanding,” said the club. “Jack’s made a real impact already - it’s a high-performance step forward that puts us in a great position across the whole club.”As for goals this season, the club isn’t afraid to aim high.“It’s not unreasonable for all five senior teams to be playing semifinal cricket,” said Brown.“We’ve got depth, strong recruitment in first grade, and players hungry to move up through the grades. That creates competition, camaraderie, and success across the board.”With strong numbers, a new coach, and major milestones to celebrate, the 2025/26 season is shaping up to be one to remember for the Cavaliers.“We’re really grateful to the Kiama Leagues Club and all our wonderful sponsors, including new major partners Royal Caribbean, who have come on board this year. It’s going to be an amazing season.”